Q. You recently wrote about the high cost of treating toenail fungus with the prescription medicine Jublia.
I found a better approach after trying several over-the-counter products without success. A few months ago, I started using a liniment with a high concentration of capsaicin.
It is normally used for sore muscles, but I thought I’d try it on my toenails. I applied it twice a day, after my morning shower and before bed. (I wore disposable latex gloves, so as not to burn myself accidentally with capsaicin residue on my fingers.) After two weeks and less than $25, the fungus was undetectable.
A. Capsaicin is the compound that makes chili peppers hot. Although we have heard of dozens of remedies against nail fungus, this is the first time anyone mentioned capsaicin.
For those who would like a less spicy solution to nail fungus, we offer our Guide to Hair and Nail Care.
